Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA) scouts receive a briefing before setting out on their routine patrols to safeguard the mangrove forest and raise community awareness on conservation efforts
curtis-Obimbo/wwfkenya
Establishment and Empowerment of Mtakimau CFA Community Scouts
Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA) scouts receive a briefing before setting out on their routine patrols to safeguard the mangrove forest and raise community awareness on conservation efforts
curtis-Obimbo/wwfkenya
To strengthen mangrove protection and community-based monitoring, twelve community scouts were selected and trained from within the Mtakimau Community Forest Association (CFA). Equipped with uniforms, patrol skills, communication tools, and basic enforcement knowledge, the scouts actively support restoration, surveillance, and awareness-raising across the 2,550-hectare mangrove area. Scouts conduct regular patrols, detect illegal activities, sensitize local communities about forest conservation, and collaborate with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials for enforcement actions. Their work enhances ground-level presence and helps bridge the gap between formal forest authorities and the community.
- Technical training and operational support provided by KFS and WWF-Kenya.
- Provision of uniforms and incentives (such as meals during patrols) to motivate scouts.
- Strong community buy-in and recognition of scouts as ambassadors for conservation.
- Clear roles and integration into the Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP).
- Offering logistical support and small incentives (like meals or stipends) sustains scout engagement over time.
- Early training on conflict resolution and community relations improves patrol effectiveness.
- Recognition and visibility (uniforms, public introductions) boost scout credibility within the community.
- Scouts' work should be embedded into broader conservation and enforcement strategies to avoid isolation or burnout.